In a fuel system failure situation, what typically happens to the wing tank pumps?

In a fuel system failure situation, it is typical for the wing tank pumps to remain off. This is due to the design of the fuel management system in the aircraft, which prioritizes safety and efficient operation. When a fuel system failure is detected, the wing tank pumps are disabled to prevent further complications, such as fuel imbalance or continued operation of a compromised system.

The wing tank pumps are not designed to automatically turn on in a failure situation, as this could exacerbate the problem or create additional hazards for the aircraft's operation. Additionally, these pumps do not redirect fuel to the center tank or activate any visual indicators like error lights in response to a failure. Their deactivation is a critical safety measure to ensure that only the appropriate systems are engaged following a failure, thus promoting a controlled response and aiding in the safe management of the aircraft's fuel system.